I really enjoyed the world you’ve created here. The Weaver’s Guild in particular felt wonderfully vivid, and I loved the idea of coded messages being woven into the borders of rugs. The whole thread/weaving motif running through the chapter works beautifully.
For me, the chapter really took off when Ashara lost control and the blue fire erupted. From that point I was completely invested — particularly once it became clear that her mother and grandmother know far more about what is happening to her than Ashara does.
My only slight hesitation was the amount of world-building and new terminology introduced early on. There were moments when I was concentrating more on keeping track of names, places and beliefs than on Ashara herself. I also wonder whether a little less descriptive imagery in places might allow some of the really lovely lines to stand out even more.
“You cannot weave a shroud for the sun” was a terrific line.
By the end, though, you’d definitely hooked me. I’d turn the page to find out exactly what Ashara is becoming.